The members of this University of Louisville basketball team enjoy playing together. That was again obvious in an 88-66 romp over Temple, wrapping up the seventh win without a loss during February.
How could they not with a phenomenon like Russ Smith creating havoc with opposing defenses, scoring from every conceivable configuration, consistently finding his teammates, keeping them involved, all while racking up 24 points himself, surpassing former UofL greats Herb Crook and Charlie Tyra on the all-time scoring list. Now eighth, with 1,729 of them.
- With a dunking machine like Montrezl Harrell turning routine, ordinary plays into Sportscenter highlights on an ongoing basis, all that enthusiasm, those long arms extending up and over everybody else. Montrezl knows what he wants, he senses opportunity, he’s aggressively looking for them, even when they’re not there, and he’s not going to be denied. Twenty-one points, half of them on dunks, to go with his six rebounds and two blocks.
- With unselfish guards like Chris Jones and Terry Rozier, maturing in front of our eyes, with eight and three assists, respectively. Knowing when to pass, when to shoot, where to find Harrell around the basket, when to take it to the basket. Rozier with 19 points, Jones with nine against Temple.
- With the craftiness of Luke Hancock, sometimes toying with defenders, playing around with the new rules, getting defenders in foul trouble, finding that three-point shot again — three of four against Temple for nine points. He may be slower than everybody else but he’s comfortable with the pace.
- With the youthful enthusiasm of Mangok Mathiang, eager to learn, listening to Rick Pitino day after day, becoming familiar with his surroundings and what’s expected of him. Two more blocks, raising his total to 40 for the season. He’s smiling out there, enjoying the game.
- With Stephan Van Treese doing whatever he does out there, we’re never quite sure what that is, but it’s as frustrating to the opposition as it is to us because he’s so unpredictable. Six rebounds and a block and a whole bucketload of intangibles. His role similar to Marty Pulliam from the 1980 champs, Will Olliges from the 1986 winners, and a guy named Van Treese from the 2013 champs.
They’re just having fun right now, knowing how to win, thanks to a Hall of Fame coach, and a cast of supporting characters preparing themselves for the whatever the basketball life throws at them.